CQU Business Development Module: Research Methods and Ethics Report

This report examines research methods and ethics, focusing on value networks, data types, and ethical considerations within a business context. It explores qualitative and quantitative research approaches, primary and secondary data sources, and the importance of ethical conduct throughout the research process. The report details the steps involved in a typical research process, from topic identification to report preparation, emphasizing ethical issues such as participant privacy, voluntary participation, and informed consent. It also covers data analysis, concept development, and assumption testing, providing a comprehensive overview of the research process. The report highlights the differences between primary and secondary data, discussing their respective advantages and disadvantages, and emphasizes the need for ethical clearance when collecting primary data. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in every stage of the research process, ensuring the integrity and validity of the findings.

Running head: RESEARCH METHODS AND ETHICS 1
Research methods and ethics
First Last Name
Name of Institution

RESEARCH METHODS AND ETHICS 2
Research method and ethics
Value networks set up a connection between the individuals of an organization
interacting to benefit one another (Turki, 2012). It gives room for sharing information since all
the members are connected. This gives room for research to be undertaken with ease. There are
two design approaches which include qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary and
secondary data are the two data types available. Primary data is the first-hand data collected
through questionnaire surveys, conducting interviews with structured questions, and
observations. However, there is the participant and nonparticipant observation. Participant
observer takes part in the research activity while nonparticipant researcher observes the action
with their identities concealed. There are several sources of secondary data which includes;
books and journals, newspapers, case files, television programs, organization records, and
internet (Yin, 2003).
In comparison, primary data is precise for your project hence data will be relevant while
secondary data may not be perfectly aligned with your plan. Again, primary data is current and is
time-consuming while secondary data might be outdated and consumes less time. To get primary
data, one requires the access to participants making it difficult but for secondary data does not
require any interaction with people making the process easy. Finally, primary data collection
carries ethical issues which need ethical clearance while secondary data collection does not
require any ethical consideration (Lowry, 2015)
Ethics refers to the uprightness of one’s behavior concerning others whose rights are
affected either directly or indirectly by your work. A typical research process involves
identification of the topic area to be researched and then develop a research plan on the
approaches to be used, how to data will be collected and analyzed (Humphreys, 2016). Also,

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going to the field to collect data follows. The collected data is prepared for analysis and
concluding it. Finally, a report of the whole research is prepared, and any recommendations and
solutions to the problem outlined clearly.
Ethical issues arise once you start the research with people or trying to access
confidential information of a company. The privacy of the participants who offer to do the
interview privately and no significant others who participated is a concerned ethical issue.
Besides, there should be voluntary participation and no deception of participants to take part in
your research. Finally, getting informed consent from the organization and individual is vital to
get onto their premises to do research and also you should not disclose the names of the
participants if they request. Also, one should not leave any crucial information about the research
openly accessible, anything to be destroyed should be done immediately to prevent malicious
people from accessing the information.
Analysis of data involves the process of organizing information into meaningful
categories in tabular, graphical format so that the data collected makes sense. Concept
development is the process of combining similar ideas into groups and considering how possible
to connect ideas to create solutions work better is critical (Yin, 2003). Finally, articulating the
challenges involved and testing your assumption is essential to come up with a clear, precise
concept.

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References
Yin, R.K. (2003) Case Study Research: Design and Methods. 3rd edn. London: SAGE
Publications Ltd.
Lowry, L. (2015). Bridging the Business Data Divide: Insights into Primary and Secondary Data
Use by Business Researchers. IASSIST Quarterly, 39(2), 14.
Turki, S. (2012). SRI Value Network Analysis. Journal Of Financial Studies & Research, 1-12.
Humphreys, S. (2016). Research ethics committees: The ineligibles. Research Ethics, 57.